| Flatbob | -- 11-14-2014 @ 8:36 AM |
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Got a '40 steering gear box in my '36, turns much easier now but steering wheel doesn't return to center on its own after exiting corner. The pitman arm has about 3/16" end play left to right, is this too much? The box has been completely rebuilt with a new NOS sector shaft as well. How do I check the up & down end play with steering in the car and what amount of end play should I have? Am using straight Corn Head grease, is this okay?
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| JM | -- 11-14-2014 @ 9:55 AM |
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Nothing wrong with using JD Corn Head Grease as box lube. Sounds like you need to adjust mesh of worm and sector gears. There should be some on-line instructions on how this is done. Check Mac VanPelts website or maybe the 32-53 Ford Flathead Techno site. Google is your friend for finding these websites. Edit: I could not find anything on '37-'48 steering box adjustment on the Flathead Ford Techno website. I thought for sure there would be something. I did find some info on VanPelt's website.... http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_steerngear_adjstmt1937-48.htm John This message was edited by JM on 11-14-14 @ 3:38 PM
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| Flatbob | -- 11-14-2014 @ 11:08 AM |
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Thanks John, will explore the avenues you suggest.
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| carcrazy | -- 11-14-2014 @ 1:15 PM |
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If the steering wheel does not return to the straight ahead position when it is released after a turn, you may want to have your front end alignment checked. The specifications for a 1940 Ford call for 4 1/2 to 9 degrees of positive caster. Generally the less caster you have the slower the wheel will be to return to center. More caster will require more effort to turn the wheel into a turn.
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| Flatbob | -- 11-14-2014 @ 1:48 PM |
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I've got 9.5° of caster, would not enough toe in be reason enough for steering wheel not to center itself?
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| kubes40 | -- 11-14-2014 @ 2:12 PM |
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"Toe-in" has perhaps the most to do with the wheels returning to the straight ahead position. Granted, my restorations are rarely driven but I alawys set the toe-in at the maximum. I t truly does aid in reducing the effort required to return to the straight ahead position. If you have 9 1/2° of caster, that is certainly not the issue here. You may, as has been suggested, want to double check the adjustment on the gear box. And, I too feel that JD corn head grease is a great lubricant choice.
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| Flatbob | -- 11-14-2014 @ 8:52 PM |
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Am going to look at the amount of toe-in a little closer; from the front of the car would you rotate the tie rod towards you or away from you to move the tires in?
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| Flatbob | -- 11-14-2014 @ 8:55 PM |
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JM thanks, that's just what I was looking for.
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